If a person wants to avoid problems after surgery such as knee or hip replacement, he/she should make sure not to go into depression or anxiety. A new study suggests that a patient’s mental health may affect his/her risk of experiencing wound-related complications.

According to the study published in the British Journal of Surgery on Feb. 14, 2017, for patients with moderate anxiety or depression, the likelihood of experiencing wound complications post a hip replacement surgery was 1.17 times greater. In addition, such patients were 1.20 times likely to be readmitted for a wound problem and on an average experienced longer duration of hospital stay.

The study involved nearly 177,000 patients in England undergoing knee replacements, hip replacements, varicose vein operations and hernia repairs. During the study, researchers investigated the relationship between three dissimilar measures of anxiety and/or depression and seven adverse surgical results. The researchers included observational data collected before and after surgery between 2009 and 2011.

According to the lead author Philip Britteon, the study highlighted an important fact that psychological disorders are often overlooked prior to a surgery. According to him, given the impact of anxiety or depression on wound-related complications, preoperative assessment should address psychological along with physical health. Some of the common general post-operative complications include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), wound infection, embolism, atelectasis and fever.

The study also concluded that a patient’s pre-operative psychological health played a significant part in generating adverse wound outcomes post their surgery for the four procedures whose data was studied. Therefore, for an individual undergoing any of these four surgeries, it was advisable to not let depression or anxiety take a toll.

However, Britteon said that to understand the potential opportunities for intervention, the relationship between a patient’s mental health and experiencing wound-related complications post-surgery requires further exploration.

Psychological issues affect most Americans

Americans suffer from all kinds of psychological disorders and despite an increase in treatment options, the numbers do not appear to decline. As per the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately one in every five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness in a given year.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 40 million people in the U.S. aged 18 years or older — 18% of the population — are suffering from anxiety disorders. While they are treatable, only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment for the same. So, if an individual suffers from anxiety or any other mental illness, he/she should immediately seek professional assistance to lead a normal life.

Sovereign Health can help

Sovereign Health believes that each mental illness is different and manifests differently in every individual. At our facilities located across the U.S., we treat a variety of mental and behavioral disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and PTSD.

In addition to individual and group therapy, we offer alternative treatments including equine therapy, art therapy, yoga and mindfulness meditation. For those seeking freedom and flexibility in managed care, our eTherapy offers patients the same benefits from the comfort of their home. A form of telehealth, it allows patients to receive face-to-face counseling via video or text chat with a licensed clinician.

Sovereign Health Group is a residential rehabilitation treatment provider that has programs and services devoted to mental health conditions. To learn more about our continuum of care, speak with one of our expert treatment consultants and begin the journey to recovery today!